Local Photographers Interview With Alyssa Covill
Portrait of Alyssa Covill.
Whilst examining the history of photography in the Regina area, we spoke with local photographer Alyssa Covill to gain insight into the contemporary understandings of photography as an evolved art form. Alyssa takes pride in capturing the love that Regina couples have for each other, with a focus on wedding & elopement photography. However, she is well versed in other photographic subjects such as personal branding, portraiture, landscape, and family & lifestyle photography. Read more to learn about her experiences with photographic storytelling and her passion for her art.
“Art is everywhere, you don’t always have to drive to the mountains to capture breath-taking images.”
What’s your story?
Hello, my name is Alyssa Covill. I have been professionally photographing people in love and their special moments since 2020. Wedding and lifestyle photography is my second career. I’ve always been into arts and painting growing up. Somehow during high-school, I found a new hobby in photography. When I’m not behind the camera, I use my Bachelor's degree as a program manager at a Metis institute. I also volunteer a big chunk of my time at our local church in media, visuals, and graphic design. I’ve lived in Regina for almost 15 years now and I plan to continue to build a family and expand my entrepreneurial ventures here.
When did your interest in photography begin?
My interest in photography began around the time I had my first iPhone and my dad bought a DSLR camera, a T3i Canon DSLR. I was probably 17 years old then and I remember taking all of our family photos during our family travels. Between those two mediums of camera, I explored my interest in capturing nature and posing people (aka my brother and a few of my friends). With those photos I captured, I became even more interested in editing those images by applying filters and/or adjusting their settings. From here, I started enjoying the process of editing the photos and the many artistic ways you can give it life to evoke emotions.
What is your most memorable moment from your career?
One of my most memorable moments from doing photography was when I got my very first client, a couple from Regina, who trusted me to capture their full-day wedding. I remember being nervous even if I knew I was well prepared for this moment. To top it off, I received the kindest and most heart-warming feedback from these clients on how much they enjoyed having me on their wedding day and that the photos I took made them very emotional. This moment was very special to me and it encouraged me to work harder and be inspired.
What strategies do you use during your creative process to get the best results?
A few of the strategies I use is getting to know the couples’ love story, even in a brief question and answer form. I like to hear about how they met, how they got engaged, where was their first date, what’s their favourite hobby together, etc. From there, I try my best to greet them with warmth and excitement when we first meet up for their session. I like to converse and communicate what they can expect from me and the whole process. I give prompts and poses in hopes to encourage movements, conversations that produce raw emotions or to reminisce a happy memory, or simply to make them laugh or feel at peace. I also make sure to express how I feel about the images I’ve captured in each moment.
What major takeaway would you like people to get from your work?
The major takeaways I would like for people and my own clients to get from my work is the authenticity of the moments captured and depending on the scenes, I would love for them to be able to relive those moments. In the visual aspect of things, I aim to evoke timeless pieces that appreciate the true-to-life colours and forms of nature.
How does storytelling through photography differ from other methods?
I believe that storytelling through photography is one of the most powerful and boundless forms of art expression. Photos capture real time moments and therefore tell a story through a frozen frame of time. The viewers are given an opportunity to apply their own interpretation and emotion towards those still images - without sounds, moving objects, and are typically wordless.
How does the city of Regina impact your work?
Contrary to the opinions of other people who do not live in Regina, Regina has many beautiful sceneries and infrastructures full of character. Regina easily provides us photographers the space and environment where couples and families can create a lifetime of memories. Although there are many things I wish Regina had easier access to such as clean lakes, studio space, etc.
Your portfolio has a consistent theme of love through your romantic wedding photographs, what does it mean to you to capture such intimate and prominent moments in the lives of Regina’s loving couples?
It means that Regina is a place to build a family, to build a life and community to thrive in. To me, Regina is a city with huge potential and rising talented entrepreneurs and artists.
What is your favourite part about Regina’s photography community?
Regina’s photography community is a very friendly and welcoming community. In my experience, fellow photographers I’ve met here have been in this industry for a very long time. Some have lived in other cities but found themselves settling down in Regina.
What do you wish to see more of in the future of Regina’s photography?
I would like to see a variety of studio spaces in Regina. Right now, I definitely think that there’s a lack of studio space in Regina, as well as creative curators and community.
What advice would you give to aspiring photographers in Regina?
My advice is to utilize whatever community they are in to help them practice and to appreciate their time in return by sharing with them some of the images you took and hope that it puts a smile on their faces. I would also advise aspiring photographers to explore and scout both common and new-to-them spots in Regina and area, many would be surprised to find hidden gems within the city that are so picturesque. Lastly, communicate well and respect your subjects and surroundings. Art is everywhere, you don’t always have to drive to the mountains to capture breath-taking images.
All photographs depicted were taken by Alyssa Covill.
To support her business, Visit the link to her website below:
Alyssa Covill Photography | Regina Wedding & Lifestyle Photographer
